Youth are a vibrant and important part of our community at Church of the Nativity. Youth can engage in a range of activities from weekly Christian formation to outings and retreats. Our programs are created to make a space where youth can gather and explore their faith through conversation, community, and fun, all providing an opportunity for personal development. Nativity strives to provide a positive environment where everyone is accepted and loved. Friends are invited to join us as well!
All are welcome.
Youth Christian Formation
Middle School Youth (Grades 6-8) meet for formation time on Sunday mornings from 9:50 – 10:20 am, just before the 10:30 celebration of Holy Eucharist, in Curry Hall Room 205.
High School Youth (Grades 9-12) meet for formation on Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in Curry Hall Room 202.
Our time together is spent building community through games and activities and engaging in the story of God’s people through Bible stories, lessons, and virtues. Youth formation is a wonderful opportunity for our youth and their friends to come together in fellowship and community. Monthly fun events or outings also form an important component of our youth formation.
Youth Pilgrimages
Our high school youth set out annually on a pilgrimage to learn, to serve, and to have fun. While away, youth encounter the stories of a place, people, and culture, often confronting hard truths. They turn to God in worship and prayer, visit holy sites, and roll up their sleeves to engage with the local community in acts of service. There’s always time for learning about local customs and having fun. Some of our past pilgrimages have taken our youth to Jamaica, the Pacific Northwest, and New Orleans.
Acolyte Program
Youth take on a variety of responsibilities as worship leaders in our parish. Typically, they first take on the role of torchbearer, carrying candles that light the processions of the service. They also bear the banner during the procession and carry the Gospel book for the Deacon during the Gospel procession. Crucifers lead the procession and assist the Deacon in setting the table. At the age of 16, baptized and confirmed youth can be licensed as Lay Eucharistic Ministers and assist the clergy in the distribution of communion.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation, in which the candidates express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 860), affirms the promises made on the youths’ behalf at their Baptism. Classes engage youth in discussion around the promises of the Baptismal Covenant.
Diocesan Events
The Diocese of North Carolina provides opportunities for young people (Grades 6 to 12) to come together in fellowship with other youth from across the Diocese. These events empower young people to develop their leadership skills and grow in their faith and relationship with God creating a community that provides opportunities for transformation not only within themselves but also in the environment around them. These events occur mainly in the first half of the year and include Bishop’s Ball (January), Happening (February) for High School youth, and Genesis (April) for Middle School youth.
For further information, please contact Jeremy Clos, Lay Associate for Christian Formation Email Jeremy Clos.